In today's rapidly evolving retail landscape, seamlessly connecting your eCommerce and physical store is crucial for success. Shopify POS is more than just a simple cash register—it's a comprehensive solution that manages sales data, customer transactions, and inventory, enhancing the shopping experience across both online and offline channels.
In this article, we'll take a look at Shopify's POS system and show you how it works, ts pricing, and how to leverage it for your business.
What is a Point of Sale (POS)?
A Point of Sale (POS) is where transactions are completed—whether at a physical store's checkout or online. Previously limited to in-store counters, the modern POS now extends far beyond, covering online stores and mobile sales channels.
Picture this: you're shopping in-store or browsing online, and you find the perfect product. That critical purchase moment happens at the POS. For you as a merchant, it’s more than just processing payments—it's an opportunity to create an experience that keeps customers coming back.
Read more: 7 tips on how to make customer loyalty work in e-commerce
Shopify POS: The future of retail
Shopify POS goes far beyond traditional cash registers by linking your physical and online stores into a single omnichannel system. It not only processes payments but also tracks inventory, stores customer profiles, and generates detailed sales reports. This means all your sales, whether online or in-store, are centrally managed and synced in real-time.
The Shopify POS system consists of three main components: hardware, software, and payment. With easy integration, your smartphone or tablet can turn into a full-featured cash register via the Shopify POS app. Whether it's processing card payments, scanning barcodes, or printing receipts, Shopify POS ensures a smooth operation across all your sales channels.
Shopify POS Lite vs. Pro: Which version is right for you?
Shopify offers two versions of its POS system: Shopify POS Lite and Shopify POS Pro.
- POS Lite: Included in all Shopify plans at no extra cost, this version offers core functionalities such as accepting payments, managing inventory, and emailing receipts. It’s ideal for small businesses that don’t need complex employee management features.
- POS Pro: For €79 per month and per location, the Pro version unlocks advanced features, including employee management, detailed customer profiles, extensive reporting, and omnichannel sales capabilities. Customers can, for example, save carts or return items at any location, even after purchasing online—making it a great option for growing businesses.
POS Go: All-in-One mobile solution
Shopify has introduced POS Go, a compact and mobile all-in-one solution, currently available in select countries. POS Go combines a cash register, barcode scanner, and card reader in one device—perfect for pop-up stores, markets, and mobile sales. While POS Go is available in countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA, it's expected to roll out in Europe soon.
Shopify POS Costs and Fees
The cost of Shopify POS depends on your chosen plan. POS Lite is included in all Shopify plans, while POS Pro adds an extra €79 per month per location. For Shopify Plus users, up to 20 locations are covered with no additional monthly cost.
For hardware, you can start with just a smartphone and card reader, with the option to add extra devices like receipt printers or cash drawers depending on your business needs. Shopify also offers a wide range of POS hardware directly in their online store.
You can order the hardware you need directly from Shopify's online store. This will also give you an idea of the costs involved.
Key benefits of Shopify POS for your online store
Shopify POS is more than just a payment processor—it offers a suite of tools designed to streamline your business operations, enhance customer experiences, and connect your sales channels.
#1 Omnichannel shopping:
Shoppers can seamlessly move between online and offline channels. Purchases made online can be returned in-store, and vice versa. This level of flexibility enhances convenience and customer satisfaction.
#2 Centralized inventory management:
Manage all your sales channels from one dashboard. Shopify POS syncs inventory in real-time, ensuring you always know what’s in stock, whether it's in your warehouse or a specific store.
#3 Synced Customer Data:
Just as inventory is synced, so are customer profiles. Customers who register in-store are automatically added to your Shopify store. You can offer personalized deals, loyalty programs, and use these insights to drive customer retention.
#4 Streamlined Operations
Shopify POS simplifies your day-to-day operations. Discounts, best-sellers, and returns can all be handled with a few clicks, saving time and improving efficiency for your team.
International usage and market-specific differences
While Shopify POS is available in most major markets, each country has specific hardware and payment requirements. For example, cash payments are still common in Germany, while card payments dominate in other countries. These differences also influence the type of POS hardware needed.
There are also some limitations with Shopify Payments in countries like Switzerland and Austria. Be sure to research local regulations and customer preferences to ensure smooth operations. Do you have any questions? Contact us!
Is Shopify POS the right solution for you?
If you're looking to connect your online store with your physical locations or need a mobile POS system for events or pop-up shops, Shopify POS is the perfect solution. It helps you manage your business efficiently with real-time inventory updates, personalized customer profiles, and a seamless omnichannel experience.
Still have questions or need help integrating Shopify POS? Contact us today—we’re happy to assist in finding the best solution for your shop!